In response to growing concerns about fraudulent migration practices that target visa applicants globally, Australia has joined its international allies in commemorating International Fraud Awareness Week by creating a coordinated campaign to combat visa frauds.
Throughout the November 16–22 observance, the Australian High Commission in Dhaka said it is collaborating with international counterparts to spread awareness about fraudulent visa guarantees, phony documents, and illegal immigration agents—scams that frequently result in long-term travel restrictions, emotional distress, and financial loss.
It said Ministers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States reaffirmed their shared commitment to protect migration and border systems at the 2025 Five Country Ministerial (FCM) in September.
As part of that commitment, a four-country initiative titled ‘Fighting Visa Fraud’ is being launched this week to protect migrants and strengthen border integrity. While the United States is not taking part in this year’s launch, it remains supportive of the effort.
The campaign demonstrates the FCM partners’ shared commitment to combating visa fraud and increasing public awareness. During International Fraud Awareness Week, businesses, governments, and community organizations are encouraged to collaborate in order to lessen the impact of fraud by using preventive messaging and education.
The High Commission claims that coordinated campaign messaging will lessen the scope of visa fraud worldwide, inform applicants about the strategies employed by dishonest facilitators, and encourage safe behavior while interacting with migration services.
The campaign will continue into 2026, with targeted messaging during peak visa application periods to address local challenges and encourage behavioral change.
The High Commission warned that scam agents frequently operate within communities posing as legitimate professionals, and urged the public to spread awareness about the risks.
Visa applicants have been advised to visit homeaffairs.gov.au/visascams to learn how to identify and report visa scams, noting that the Australian government never seeks payments via social media or unofficial platforms.
Quoting Acting Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Clinton Pobke, the High Commission said: “Visa scams exploit those with a genuine interest who want to travel or study in Australia. There is a lot of false visa information online and in social media, including fake news stories.”
“With a new Home Affairs Office presence in Dhaka, we are working to help protect visa applicants from losing their savings and safeguard the integrity of Australia’s migration system,” the High Commissioner said.
Pobke added: “Australia is proud to stand with our international partners to combat visa fraud. The Fighting Visa Fraud campaign sends a clear message — if you are applying for a visa, always use trusted, official sources and beware of anyone promising shortcuts or guaranteed results.”
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